Sharks have had a whale of a time!

Queen’s Park Sharks narrowly lost what could be their final Camden and Regent’s Park Youth League fixture, against West End FC

IT was the end of an era for Queen’s Park Sharks as their Under-15s team played what could be their last-ever game in the Camden and Regent’s Park Youth League on Saturday.

The players first joined the competition when they were just nine years old, and their success has been such that the club has expanded. The Under-15s have gone from running two seven-a-side teams to having a squad of 21.

Now, under the guidance of manager Phil Smith, the Sharks have enjoyed another successful season and are waiting to see if there is room for an Under-16s division next term.

Team co-ordinator Andrew Lawson has been with the boys since the club first started 12 years ago.

He said: “It is run by volunteers and has really grown. We now have teams going from under six to Under-15s, and two girls’ sides, too.

“The fact these boys are teenagers and still want to train and play football when there are so many other distractions is great.”

In their final game, which saw them invite previous players and managers, Queen’s Park Sharks showed all the skill and sportsmanship that supporters have come to expect, narrowly losing 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller against West End FC. Andrew added: “We have realised how lucky we are to have a well organised league, all on one site and games played in a friendly ­environment.”